A Brisbane Find: 1924 Crossley 20-70

Frazer Sloan sends a pride report about a rare Crossley he found in Australia: "This Crossley came from Brisbane and I think can be considered 'barn find'. It was the property of the widow of a well known Crossley enthusiast in Australia. I bought it because I couldn't afford a 30-98 Vauxhall! Contemporary road test reports listed it as one of the best sporting touring cars, amongst greats such as aforementioned Vauxhall 30-98, Bentley, twin-cam Sunbeam or Lagonda. The chassis appears to be original 20/70 and not just a 4 wheel braked 19.6 (the standard model which the 20/70 is derived from) with stampings on components such as the steering box and other parts (3.33 to 1 back axle ratio, larger steering wheel, rev-counter drive) clearly indicating it's history and model as a 20/70. I thought it very similar to the photo of the chassis photo you posted previously of the Mercedes-Crossley before installation of the Mercedes engine. The 20/70 (front view, side view ) was guaranteed from the factory for 75mph in touring trim and a stripped down 20/70 lapped Brooklands at more than 103mph. The decision now rests with me whether I should start the restoration and a long period of rebuilding, or move on to something more manageable, and perhaps running. Decisions decisions."

Gepubliceerd:

dinsdag april 7th, 2015

Derek Bulten

14 Juni 2019, 23:20

Hi Frazer , I have a Crossley which could well be the one in your photo, it was restored by Norm Crosswell in Bundaberg in 1999, I am trying to find out if it could be the same car, regards Derek Bulten

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Onbekend

09 April 2015, 09:07

Thanks everybody for your encouragement. For now I put the car in storage whilst I contemplate my next move, and save some money!

My plan would be the 'Type C' body as shown on the Crossley Register website. I think it looks super.
I have a fantastic coachbuilder in Derby called Western Coachworks, who made the body for my father's 1925 Newton-Ceirano, so once the chassis will be ready, it will be going over to him.

Just for information, the Shelsley model was from the Edwardian period. The 20/70 was known as just that.

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Onbekend

08 April 2015, 23:26

I know that Van Den Plas bodied the odd Crossley . These were handsome cars. I bet you could fit VDP replica bodywork like a Bentley 3 liter, and since these parts are all available, would be straight forward. I would lengthen the engine cover as much as possible to make it look as sporting as possible, perhaps tweek the rake of the steering column down a tad. That is the great thing about a bare chassis, you get to be the designer.

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Onbekend

08 April 2015, 10:09

Were it mine (and I wish it was and that I was twenty years younger!) it would depend very much on how complete it was mechanically. Body work can always be fabricated but missing mechanical parts could prove to be elusive. There's a lot to be said for starting with a chassis that requires a complete rebuild as the temptation to skimp isn't there. As to the reputation of this model, I can do no better than refer to Cecil Clutton writing fifty years ago in 'The Vintage Motor Car' who extols its virtues on page 145, concluding with: "Although this highly desirable car was catalogued for four years it is most unfortunate that none is thought to have survived."
Superb though the Delage DS may be, this one deserves to be restored and it's BRITISH !

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Onbekend

08 April 2015, 09:47

final drive ratio of 3.33:1 does indicate 20/70 model. Model sometimes known as the Shelsley. The complete encyclopedia of cars states that the brakes weren´t good enough (no surprise there) so Frazer perhaps you had better get some soft linings made up.. I think u should turn it into a ute.... best of luck

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David Haywood

08 April 2015, 08:04

As you have a good basis of a rolling chassis,you ought to restore as is, with appropriate period style bodywork. Years hence, this will be the more desirable product than a Mercedes Benz special.
"Money,money,money, give me the money !" I here you say.Indeed.
But if this old car lark were that easy, everybody would be doing it. As a friend keeps remindingme, " Its all supposed to be fun ".

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Onbekend

08 April 2015, 04:35

I'm surprised to see a basic side valve engine under the bonnet. OK, so the Vauxhall 30/98 E type and RR 40/50hp Silver Ghost both had side valve engines as well. I can certainly see the value in it though because of its rarity. It'll take you 10 years to restore. 5 years to decide whether or not to spend the money (lots of it) and a further 5 years to actually get the job done! On the other hand, I've seen a few Delage DS's recently offered for sale at reasonable prices...

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A Brisbane Find: 1924 Crossley 20-70

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